3 Math Tricks You Can Do Anywhere

Sometimes people think math is boring, or hard, or not worth their time. They. Are. Wrong. Math is very important in every area of your life. Go ahead…try to think of one area of your life that doesn’t need math! Like sports?! How would you know who was winning if you didn’t keep score? Below are three math tricks that will (maybe) help you like math a little more.

Divisible by 3?

Ok…you and two of your friends are splitting a bag of candy. There are 123 pieces. Will this divide equally among the three of you? All you have to do is add the digits and if the answer is divisible by three, you can divide by three evenly. For example:

123 = 1+2+3 = 6 6 is divisible by three, so you can each get the same number of candies.

4569 = 4+5+6+9 = 24 = 2+4 = 6 So, yes! 4569 is divisible by 3. (Actually, 24 is divisible as well, so you can stop there if you’d like.)

The 2, 3, 5 Math Trick

These are a little harder, because you’ll have to memorize the steps for each one. If you can, it will amaze your friends. I hope.

The 2 trick:

Think of a number.

Add 4.

Multiply the result by 4.

Subtract 8.

Divide the result by 4.

Take away your original secret number.

The answer is 2.

The 3 trick:

Think of a number.

Double it.

Add 9.

Subtract 3.

Divide by 2.

Subtract your original number.

The answer is 3.

The 5 trick:

Think of any three-digit number.

Add 7.

Multiply by 2.

Subtract 4.

Divide the result by 2.

Subtract it from the original number.

The answer is 5.

Why do these work? If you really look hard at it, you will be able to figure it out!

Finding Someone’s Age

Ask the person to multiply the first number of his or her age by 5.

Tell them to add 3.

Now tell them to double this figure.

Finally, have the person add the second number of his or her age to the figure and ave them tell you their answer.